Walmart Canada goes on offensive ahead of Target arrival

By Katherine Field Boccaccio

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Walmart isn’t about to let the grass grow under its feet in Canada. The discounter plans to spend about $753 million this fiscal year to expand its store presence in Canada, before rival Target begins its push in the country.

The plans call for at least 73 projects — including new store builds, store expansions, remodels, and relocations — during the fiscal year that ends Jan. 31, 2013. The program will add 4.6 million sq. ft. of retail space to Walmart Canada’s operations, and up its store count to more than 375. The company currently has 333 stores in the country.

The move will put Walmart ahead of competitor Target, which has launched a Canadian debut that calls for 125 to 135 stores by early 2013.